Rule changes - I know that the powers that be brought in the String length rule at the start of the 11/12 season, but with all that needs to be improved in our game is this really necessary - yes one injury from a string in the eye is too many but has anyone experienced any injury like this? what about strings on gloves or helmets??? what brought about the rule change?

I think the point is that the stick picks up a lot of velocity during passing, shooting, and throwing checks.The gloves never pick up the same speed, nor do they go that far from the body. Only old school helmets have the strings still but again they will never pick up any concerning amount of velocity.

Lots need to be improved in our game, agreed, but whats the harm in introducing the string length rule if it could potentially increase safety?

You have to remember guys that rule changes are managed by the FIL and that England is one vote at the table, although they do have two members on the FIL Rules Committee who review all proposals prior to them going to the nations to vote on. I too am included on this committee as the FiL Officiating Chair.

This rule is there for health and safety. We are not concerned about strigs on gloves, shoes or helmets (yes Dan there used to be strings on helmets), but rather something that could cause injury.

Don Blacklock
I'll referee the perfect game
only when you play the perfect game.

dblacklock wrote:Thanks Trig. Thought it was just me. Obvious difference in whipping of a string from a stick going at x speed (Engineers please insert x) then that of a glove a -x (same calculation please).

Go on then. Tangential velocity is proportional to radius. Stick is around twice the distance from the body of the gloves. Therefore whip of head strings twice that of glove strings.

Jedi Lax #9CEng MIMechE_______________

My views are not necessarily those of Clarendon Road Primary School Pop Lacrosse Team